Thanks for your recent information regarding lawn fungus- we’re getting the PH tested before starting treatment to get the centipede lawn healthy first and then applying a fungicide.
I’ve also been advised that we have a local area on our lawn that has lawn pearls. I’ve seen them attached to the grass roots and I’m prepared to dig out the infected area and put in new sod but we need your advice as how to effectively chemically prepare the sandy soil area to prevent any possible pearl larvae, insects or pearl sacs that might still be in the soil from coming back and infesting the area again after installing the sod.
We appreciate any suggestions or recommendations that you might have, and thanks again for your help.
First, you’re welcome and we hope our advice is leading you in the direction you want to go regarding your landscape and pest control concerns.
Second, there is no need to remove or replace any of your grass if the main reason you want to do this is due to the ground pearls. In fact ground pearls are an insect; they fall into the “scale” family and are vulnerable to range of insecticides BUT there are very few that can get down deep enough into the ground to help. That’s where we come in.
We basically have tried them all and over time, narrowed down the options so that what we’re listing is what will work.
So there are many water based products that list scale but they won’t work. They are built to stay “on top” of surfaces, like painted homes, plastics, brick, etc. Using large chemical particles, these formulations will not move down into the ground where the pearls are living and thriving.
That said, there are a few products that are still oil based. These do a better job of getting down deep but only one we found that reaches far enough to matter. This is critical because Ground Pearls are subterranean. And they spread laterally deep in the ground – not across the top of your yard like ants or palmetto bugs. So if they’re coming “up” from 5-10 feet down under your top soil, you need a treatment that will reach them BEFORE they get to the roots of your turf.
And the one you need is the one we have listed below. It includes scale on the label, works well on this pest but most important, it’s the only one we’ve found which can “penetrate” deep enough to reach them.
But before you treat, its important to understand that one of the most common traits we see with ground pearls is that they seem to really like soil with low PH levels. A low PH means you have an acidic environment so if you end up finding your PH is lower than 6.0, this is where you will want to spend your time and effort to start. FIX YOUR PH FIRST!
Soil PH: https://bugspray.com/article/ph
If the PH is below 6.0, you’ll need some of our LIQUID LIME to get it up closer to neutral.
A PROPER PH WILL ALLOW THE TREATMENTS TO WORK BEST
We offer it in two sizes, gallons and 2.5 gallon jugs. The Gallon gallon will treat up to 17,250 sq/ft of turf which is slightly more then 1/3 of an acre and will raise it a good .5-1.0 on the PH meter within 1-2 weeks. If you have more than 1/2 acre you need to treat, get the bigger 2.5 gallon jug.
Now if you’re not sure of your soil’s PH, get our PH METER. It’s easy to use and using it a few times a year is a good practice to make sure you aren’t creating a yard that’s essentially attracting ground pearls.
Of all the things in your yard, the PH is the one variable that controls everything else. In other words, once it drops below 6.0, your turf will become weak and vulnerable to fungus, insects, weeds, etc. and they’ll readily be attracted to your soil if you allow this condition to exist.
The following “short video” (less than 60 seconds) shows how to use the meter:
This next video shows up close what the values mean on the meter if you are unsure how to read it:
Also, the low PH will cause the insecticides to not work so well so this must be addressed if its not in the right range and at least 6.0. if not closer to 7.0.
Now once the PH is known to be “good”, apply MAXXTHOR GRANULES at the rate of 2 lbs for every 1000 sq/ft and retreat once a month for 3 months. Maxxthor will control a wide range of insects using turf grass for nests including scale related pests.
This next short video shows how to apply our granules:
The main reason for using this slow releasing product is that it will get down deep into the soil, 6-12″, where baby ground pearls will be developing. Maxxthor SG uses a very fine sand (unlike all other granules on the market) and the small particle size combined with this fine sand helps get the chemical down where it matters.
And because it slowly releases, using them on a regular basis will keep the soil free of new ones because you’ll always have some active chemical deep in the dirt. In general, it’s best to use them monthly for the first three months a problem is identified. Assuming you are spraying the yard on top with the Maxxthor EC and Boost listed below, you can scale back the granules to once a month after 3 months to insure the pearls don’t come back.
The granules are needed for long term control but to eradicate the current activity, you’ll need to spray over the granules with MAXXTHOR EC. This needs to be done once a month like the granules for the first three months. Plan on applying 2.5 oz per 5,000 sq/ft.
The best way to apply the Maxxthor is with our Hose End (seen below) and the following “short video” (less than 60 seconds long) shows how to set it up for spraying.
This formulation is fast acting and will quickly knock the down the active scale but it won’t penetrate down deep like the granules so you’ll need to do both for long term control.
To help get the Maxxthor down deep, add SPREAD-X BOOST to your tank mix at the same time as the Maxxthor. Boost is an adjuvant, also known as a wetter spreader or spreader sticker. It basically makes water and the mixture more “slippery” so it can slide through the dirt 2-3 times as deep compared to just using water with the Maxxthor. As stated above, the goal with ground pearls is to reach as far down as possible and Boost will help for pests like ground pearls.
The following short video summarizes why Boost can help deliver your treatment to where it matters the most.
Add no more than the rate you’re applying the Maxxthor so in this case, if you’re adding 2.5 oz of Maxxthor to the hose end sprayer, add 2.5 oz of Boost too before adding water. If you’re adding Maxxthor to a pump sprayer at the rate of 1 oz per gallon, use 1 oz of Boost.
And don’t spray in the middle of the day; treat late in the day close to sunset so the treatment can dry without direct sunlight. UV light on the Boost can stress plants if the temperature is 85 degrees or higher so treat 2 hours or less before sunset to reduce sunlight stress.
A good HOSE END SPRAYER will be needed to spray the Maxxthor. This one is easy to use; add 1 oz of Maxxthor and fill it up to the 5 gallon line. Next, hook it to your garden hose and spray the entire contents over 5,000 sq/ft.
If you’re PH is in the proper range, you should see improvement after 2-3 weeks. Retreat following the schedule above so after the first month, treat again and expect to see the grass coming back in the 2-3 month. Treat with both granules and spray again in the 3rd month and the problem should be mostly resolved. After that, treat every 3 months with both granules and the liquid to insure they don’t come back. And be sure to check your PH at least once every 6 months.
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Dale McLamb says
As to Ground Pearls, according to the above as easy to control….my yard and my neighbors’ yard (across the highway) are infested to the point that hardly anything will grow–not even a healthy weed. This all has happened to my yard within 3 years..my neighbors in 10 years. I have centipede, neighbor is trying Bermuda. Mine is not as bad as his but “pearls” appear in spots all over the year where dying is occurring in circles. I have dug and found “pinkish pearls” and whitest eggs clusters. HELP!
Tech Support says
As explained above, the first thing you need to do is check the ph of your soil to make sure it’s around 7.0. Get a PH Meter to do the job; they are well worth the investment since they can be used over and over and if your yard is susceptible to any kind of PH change, these meters will be something you’ll need for years to come.
PH Meter: https://bugspray.com/equipment/testing/phmoisturelight-probe
Now once you get a good measure of the soil PH (and/or your neighbors), email us the results and we should be able to further advise.
Technical Support
U-Spray Bugspray
http://www.bugspray.com
1-800-877-7290
Dale McLamb says
Neighbors yard is a pH of 6.5…has or is trying to establish Bermuda.
I have just placed an order for a pH meter.
Tech Support says
Once the PH is known to be 6.5, you can get control of this pest by using a combination of Maxxthor Granules and Maxxthor EC. Apply the Granules monthly at a rate of 25 lbs per 1/2 acre. They will slowly work their way into the soil and plants taking away key resources needed for the ground pearls existence.
And twice a month apply Maxxthor EC at a rate of 1 quart per 10,000 sq/ft. This will work on the exposed stages providing fast control but not totally effective unless its used with the granules.
Follow this treatment schedule and you will start to see improvement after 1-2 months of treating; after 3-6 months the problem will mostly resolved.
Maxxthor G: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/granule/maxxthor_sg.html
Maxxthor EC: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/liquid/maxxthor-ec
Technical Support
U-Spray Bugspray
http://www.bugspray.com
1-800-877-7290
Dale McLamb says
Thanks for the feedback…..will try this approach.
Dale McLamb says
Can the Maxxthor be purchased in a concentrate? I have a large yard to apply this. Thanks
Tech Support says
Yes. In fact if you’re treating 1/2 acre or more, the concentrate is definitely the way to go because it will save money. So for ground pearls, you’ll need to apply 5 oz per acre. This works out to 1 oz per 8,000 sq/ft. And a good sprayer for the concentrate is our 6 Gallon Hose End Sprayer. Here’s how you’ll use it.
Put 4 oz of Maxxthor in the 6 Gallon Hose End. Fill it wither water, hook it to your hose and spray the entire amount over 8,000 sq/ft.
Here are links to these in our cart:
Maxxthor EC: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/liquid/maxxthor-ec
6 Gallon Hose End Sprayer: https://bugspray.com/equipment/sprayers/gilmour-6g-385
Cheers,
Jonathan
Customer Care
http://www.bugspray.com
770-985-9388
1-800-877-7290
Joshua says
Hi I have ground pearls how do you get rid of them is killing my grass
Thanks
Tech Support says
Joshua,
Just scroll up. Our article above lists the products you need to get from us. Basically applying the granules and spray will kill it off, very easy to control.
Technical Support
http://www.bugspray.com
Kay says
Are there any grasses with resistance to ground pearl?
Tech Support says
Kay,
Sorry but no. In fact its not the grass that dictates or controls ground pearls but rather the soil underneath. Make the conditions unsuitable for the ground pearls to survive in the soil and you won’t get any growing. More details on how to do this are in our article here:
Ground Pearls: https://bugspray.com/ground-pearl-control.html
Juanita says
How do I get my PH level to 7.0?
Tech Support says
Juanita,
Our Soil PH Control article explains how, you can read up on what you’ll need here:
Soil PH: https://www.bugspray.com/article/ph.html
Technical Support
http://www.bugspray.com
Mary Lou Scott says
Now I know what is wrong with my lawn! Though relatively small it would be great to have it look better as my neighbor spends a fortune on her lawn. Thank you for all the info and putting me in the right direction. Fingers crossed.
Gary D says
Are there any videos on how to apply the granules & liquid to combat ground pearls
Tech Support says
Gary,
If you visit our Granules product page, we have a video that shows an easy way to apply it. In the video, you’ll learn how to use a zip lock baggie so no special equipment is needed. Personally I recommend this method as it allows for precise amounts to be applied without waste or fuss. The video is less than 60 seconds long and can be seen on this page:
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Maxxthor SG: https://bugspray.com/catalog/insecticide/granule/maxxthor-sg-granules
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Second, we have another page that has two videos worth watching. This page is for hose end sprayers showing why they’re so good for use around the home and then explain how to pick the one best for your task. For you, the yellow one is what you need since you’re focused on ground pearls. To see these videos, visit this page:
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How to use a Hose End Sprayer: https://bugspray.com/equipment/sprayers/best-hose-end-sprayers-for-the-yard-and-garden-bugspray
.
Technical Support
bugspray.com
Gary D says
Just applied Maxxthor granules for the first time. How long should I wait to apply the Maxxthor ex liquid. Also do I need to water it in more than once?
Tech Support says
Gary,
This is a common question and best answered this way.
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The granules are slow release and so over the course of 30 days will break down as it rains or if you irrigate your yard. So of course, watering in the Maxxthor will also get them to release but assuming it rains by you, the time you spray is not critical. Due to how the granules work, its why using them once a month is suggested.
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The liquid Maxxthor is a contact kill and works very quick BUT is gone within 3-4 weeks since sunlight breaks it down. For this reason using it once a month is suggested assuming the ground pearls are “out of sight”. But if they’re up high and visible? Treat every two weeks until you don’t see any.
.
Technical Support
bugspray.com
Tom says
Hi,
It’s my understanding through research that centipede grass likes a lower ph. So raising the ph level to 7.0 might be harmful to this type of turf.
I have ground pearls and want to rid them, but I don’t want cause another problem. I am located in eastern North Carolina.
Thank you,
Tom
Tech Support says
Tom,
Sorry for any confusion on this but two things.
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First, we state in the article above that 6.0 is fine so no problem keeping it there so you’ll have both happy centipede and our products working when the PH os between 6.0 and 6.5.
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Second, even if you did raise it to 7.0, it will naturally move back down quickly. The measurement of a PH is rarely long term after you’ve edited it. So even if you did “over raise” it to 7.0, within a month it would most likely drop back down to 6.5 because the test area has not “blended” with the surrounding soil and the deeper soil.
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In summary, strive for at least 6.0 though 6.5 is best. If you are actively raising it, stopping at 6.5 would be fine as it would be high enough for our products to perform. And even if you reached 7.0, it wouldn’t last long and though 7.0 is not ideal for centipede, its not terrible or threatening.
.
Technical Support
bugspray.com
Tom says
I need some help with spreader settings, I have a Scott’s broadcast mini. What setting should I be at for 2 lbs per sq/ft.
Thank you,
Tom
Tech Support says
Tom,
So first, we don’t know the flow rate of your spreader. Second, no matter what setting you use, you need to get 2 lbs per 1,000 sq/ft and this is determined by how fast you walk – not by the setting on the spreader.
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In other words, I would be walking at a very different rate then you so even if we used the same setting, we’d get very different results. So here’s what we always suggest.
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Set the spreader on its lowest setting. Add 2 lbs and make sure it gets distributed over 1,000 sq/ft. Do this even if it means walking over the same areas twice. Remember, you can’t pick them up after they’ve been applied so its always better to have the setting too low and then having to walk around over the same area again.
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Do this for every 1,000 sq/ft of area you need to treat and you’ll get the right amount applied.
.
Technical Support
bugspray.com
Wayne says
Good morning! I am very interested in Maxxthor and have some questions in regards to eradication/treatment for ground pearls here in SC. I’m unsure which liquid product to purchase with the understanding that oil-based is the way to go and that this is the time of year to apply in liquid form. Also, do I use a hose end sprayer and water to apply even though the product is oil-based? Will it harm zoysia or centipede? My local turf chemist has applied granular lyme to raise pH for a year now. I feel like there was some benefit, but not much. Please tell me which product to purchase.
Tech Support says
Wayne,
Sorry for any confusion but the treatment process is as follows:
1) Make sure the PH is 6.0 or higher; preferably 6.5-7.0. If its not high enough, start treatments using our Liquid Lime to get it up as quickly as possible.
2) Apply the granules first; they slowly release over 30 days and help by providing long term deep soil penetration. This can be done even if your PH is too low and needs to be raised.
3) Apply the liquid spray, again, regardless of whether your PH needs attention or not.
4) Two weeks later, spray again (no granules).
5) Two weeks after that, granules and spray again.
6) The rest of the summer and into the fall, Granules and Spray once a month.
And remember, if you stop treating in Nov-Dec, the granules in the soil will wear out and by Jan-Feb of the new year, its very likely the Pearls will come back. So if you don’t want to see them this time next year, keep treating monthly.
Other notes; the Hose End above is the recommended sprayer to use.
As for Zoysia or Centipede grass; Maxxthor was created for the sole purpose of saving grass, plants, flowers, shrubs, etc. and so when used properly, no, it will not hurt your grass. In fact it will help it quite a bit by protecting it from plant destroying pests.
Lastly, raising the PH is needed for two reasons: the first is so that your grass and plants can grow properly. Once your PH gets below 6.0, it will lead to plants not being able to perform well in how they intake nutrition and process it. When this happens, it allows insect pests like ground pearls to take big advantage causing even more stress to your plants.
The second reason is that once the PH is properly balanced, it helps minimize the impact destructive pests can do because your plants will be growing fast enough to overcome the damage.
All the products needed are above; be sure to watch the videos too which provide a lot of tips and guidance.
Tech Support
JFF says
I applied a treatment of Maxthorr liquid and granules one month ago when the weather was still warm (Myrtle Beach area). The weather is now cold and I’ve been told to apply granules only. Should I keep applying every 30 days during winter? I plan to re-sod when the weather gets warm (March – April).
Thanks
Tech Support says
The quick answer is yes, definitely keep treating. Here’s why.
For surface dwelling pests, topical applications aren’t critical for ground pearls during the colder months (liquid spraying) but we still recommend doing them to prevent pests that walk onto your property above ground.
But for anything that thrives in the ground, its vital to keep treating with the granules year round even as it gets cold. Why are the granules more important? Because ground pearls will generally get into your yard from below. That means if you stop treating, the “band” of treated soil down deep from earlier applications, it will soon be gone leaving you vulnerable.
And since ground pearls enter yards from below, its critical for this pest.. Essentially, if you stopped treating now, the treated soil now in place would loose all the Maxxthor and by the end of January there would be nothing down deep. This means any new sod would be subject to attack immediately and we don’t sodding until 10 days after spraying. Conversely, if you are treating this winter, there will be a good 1-2 foot depth of treated area nice and strong and in place ready to keep the new sod protected.
Tech Support
Mike says
Will it still work if my soil has a ph of 7-8?
Tech Support says
Mike,
Yes. Ph in the 7-8 range is fine. And even on the flip side, Ph of 7 down to 6.5 is fine too. But as you approach 6.0, not good and once below 6.0, you will need to raise it to get the best performance from our recommended treatments.
Tech Support